Accused Charlie Kirk Assassin Smirks, Jokes With Lawyer in Court as Family Watches

Accused Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson smirked, chuckled and whispered jokes to his lawyer Thursday while flanked by his doting family in a Provo courtroom, as defense attorneys fought desperately to shield the 22-year-old from public view.

Robinson, charged with gunning down Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk in cold blood on Sept. 10, appeared in civilian clothes—a blue button-down shirt and argyle tie—after successfully demanding he not wear jail garb.

Judge Tony Graf granted the request but kept the defendant shackled for security, ordering media not to film the restraints.

Defense attorney Staci Visser immediately complained that cameras had briefly captured Robinson in shackles and picked up audio from the defense table.

"We believe this threatened my client’s right to a fair trial," Visser told the court. "There has been some filming of computers and materials at counsel’s desk … That’s entirely inappropriate."

Media attorney Jeff Hunt acknowledged "inadvertent" violations.

"We apologize for that," Hunt said, pleading for a second chance.

Graf recessed the hearing, repositioned cameras, and allowed limited filming to continue.

More than two hours of proceedings remained closed to the public and press.

Robinson's parents and brother were ejected from the secret session despite defense objections.

Robinson faces aggravated murder and related charges that carry a possible death sentence by firing squad.

He has yet to enter a plea.

Kirk, 31 and a father of two, was shot once in the neck while speaking to thousands at Utah Valley University.

He bled out as the crowd watched in horror.

The widow, Erika Kirk, has demanded every hearing be televised for transparency; Robinson’s team wants cameras banned entirely.

The suspect was turned in by his own father 33 hours after the killing. Investigators say Robinson confessed in text messages to his transgender live-in partner and revealed where he hid the bolt-action rifle.

In a nation still reeling from the public execution of one of its most prominent young conservative voices, the smirking defendant and his family’s courtroom solidarity delivered another gut punch to those who believe justice should be seen, not hidden.